Pennsylvania Bill Targets Game Shutdowns
A Pennsylvania senator filed the Protect Our Games Act, requiring 60-day notice and refunds or offline play before publishers end access to a title.
A Pennsylvania state senator has filed a bill called the Protect Our Games Act, aimed at how video game manufacturers end access to titles customers have already bought.
Under the proposal, companies would have to give players at least 60 days' notice before cutting off access to a game. They would also have to provide at least one of three options: offline gaming, an independent server patch, or a refund.
The refund would be set at the title's highest price over the past 12 months, and could not fall below 25% of its initial sale price. The bill was reported by tomshardware.com.
The filing lands as the Stop Killing Games movement pushes for similar protections. The campaign has picked up support in the EU and California, though the EU declined to pursue new legislation. A California version of the bill has passed a State Assembly vote.
The Pennsylvania bill is in its early stages and may not be signed by the governor. It also arrives as Sony has announced it will cease physical disc production by 2028.
Quick answers
What would the Protect Our Games Act require?
At least 60 days' notice before a manufacturer ends access to a title, plus one of: offline gaming, an independent server patch, or a refund.
How much would the refund be?
Equal to the title's highest price in the past 12 months, and not lower than 25% of its initial sale price.
Where else has the Stop Killing Games movement gained support?
In the EU and California. The EU declined to pursue new legislation, while the California bill has passed a State Assembly vote.